The body of a man recovered from a lake is believed to belong to a 23-year-old fisherman who was thrown from a boat nearly two weeks ago.
A large-scale multi-agency search for Luke Smith came to a sad end on Thursday after police received reports of a body in Swansea Channel in the Hunter region of New South Wales.
Mr Smith disappeared after he and three friends were thrown from a small boat on Lake Macquarie shortly before 8pm on July 6.
It appears they were fishing when their boat hit a buoy.
Three of the 20-somethings managed to swim to shore, but Mr Smith never resurfaced.
NSW Police have yet to formally identify the remains found on Thursday, but believe they are those of Mr Smith.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
Heartbroken family and friends regularly gathered, sometimes in groups of 70, along the shore as the search for Mr. Smith continued.
Police suspect the remains found in the Swansea Canal on Thursday belong to missing fisherman Luke Smith (pictured)
Mr Smith disappeared after he and three friends were thrown from a small boat on Lake Macquarie shortly before 8pm on July 6
Apparently Luke tried to help one of his buddies to shore before disappearing.
It came a week after Mr Smith’s heartbroken family said they had not given up hope and issued a safety warning for anyone conducting a search themselves.
“It is vital to wear life jackets and follow safety guidelines when out on the water,” authorities said in a statement from the New South Wales Police Service.
‘We urge boat owners to exercise caution, particularly in the Swansea Channel and surrounding waters, which can be dangerous.
“We have not lost hope and we are not giving up. We are asking everyone on the water or near the coast to be on the lookout for anything that can help in the search.”
Luke’s father, David Smith, also shared a heartbreaking message on social media.
“Lucas, my son, my boy,” he wrote.
‘There was still so much I wanted to share with you in life. Daddy will diligently guard and preserve the vast space in his heart for you to fill! When I see you again.’
The family also thanked volunteers and emergency services for their search efforts so far.
“We extend our sincere thanks to all the volunteers, emergency services, boat owners and members of the Lake Macquarie community who gave their time and resources to the search efforts,” the statement said.
“Your compassion and helpfulness have given us strength and hope.”
Mr Smith’s heartbroken family said last week they had not lost hope and warned anyone attempting a search to be safe.
Mr. Smith’s high school friend, Chloe Kearns, is a GoFundMe page for his family.
“Luke’s family, friends and the rest of the community searched day and night for him and brought him home,” Mrs. Kearns wrote.
But as we all know, the bills are still piling up and during these uncertain times, Luke’s family doesn’t have to worry about that.
“Thank you to everyone who can donate. If you can’t, please share and keep Luke and his family in your thoughts. Let’s get Luke home.”